dawoloch Reviews

Egoz (1999)

"Casablanca" meets "The Perfect Storm"

[7/10 · 21 September 2002]

Based on a true and tragic story, this film by Eli Cohen ("Under the Domim Tree") takes us back to 1961, when rising anti-Jewish sentiment in Morocco persuaded some members of the Jewish community to try to elude the authorities under the cover of darkness, get on a rickety trawler bound for Gibraltar, then later make it to Israel. A group finally makes it to the boat, but a severe storm comes up, sinking the boat and drowning all the passengers. Twenty-two bodies were recovered, but it wasn't until 30 years later that the government of Morocco allowed them sent to Israel, where they received burial with honors.

The film is well done and deserves a wider audience.

Sordid Lives (2000)

Best-kept secret in filmdom?

[9 April 2002]

We found out about "Sordid Lives" earlier this year while visiting Palm Springs, where it had been playing for many weeks (maybe it still is...?)

We loved it! I'm not a film reviewer, and the only reason for this note is to wonder out loud why film has not been released on video. Could it be because it's still packing'em in (in very select theaters and festivals) or because the distributor doesn't think the video will sell?

And it's not just a "gay" movie, even though there are a lot of gay issues presented. There are all kinds of issues--social, cultural, regional, economic, alcoholic, disability---you name it. The cast is superb. As for its "Politically Incorrectness?" Take this up with Bill Maher....

dw

Sordid Lives (2000)

Best-kept secret in filmdom?

[9 April 2002]

We found out about "Sordid Lives" earlier this year while visiting Palm Springs, where it had been playing for many weeks (maybe it still is...?)

We loved it! I'm not a film reviewer, and the only reason for this note is to wonder out loud why film has not been released on video. Could it be because it's still packing 'em in (in very select theaters and festivals) or because the distributor doesn't think the video will sell?

And it's not just a "gay" movie, even though there are a lot of gay issues presented. There are all kinds of issues--social, cultural, regional, economic, alcoholic, disability---you name it. The cast is superb. As for its "Politically Incorrectness?" Take this up with Bill Maher....

dw

Trailers Schmailers (1997)

poorly executed and mostly irrelevant

[2/10 · 9 November 1999]

Viewed in the context of a Jewish Film festival, this feature documentary seemed irrelevant, i.e. without "Jewish" content. The mere fact that an individual actor or filmmaker happens to be Jewish does not necessarily give their work a "Jewish twist." One expects vignettes reflecting the Jewish experience, or having historical significance (in this case it could be family histories, the Holocaust, Israel, diaspora life, etc) or even something to do with religious matters. Speilberg made "E.T. and "Saving Private Ryan"---not Jewish films. He also made "Schindler's List." No question about its significance in this discussion! Roberto Benigni is not a Jew, but "Life is Beautiful" could easily be shown at a Jewish film festival, without apologies. "Trailers, Schmailers" is interesting for its film history. It is not a Jewish film. (Was it intended to be?) And it is not a particularly well put together collection, but that's easy for me, a non-filmmaker to say! Hats off to anyone who can splice anything together!